Napier Scottish Country Dancing Club celebrated their 70th Anniversary on 26 August—what an amazing record—with a Ball in St Patrick’s School Hall in Napier. It was a fine evening after a beautiful sunny day. You could tell it was going to be a special night when dancers were greeted on arrival with a glass of bubbles.

The spacious hall was decorated with miles of bunting, while Scottish-themed tea towels hung round the walls and a pair of huge saltires behind the stage set the scene. Across the front of the stage there were 70th Anniversary flags to remind us of this special occasion. Many photos and documents from the Club’s past were on display.

The music for dancing came from Wild Heather but the first music was from the Piper who led the Grand March that started the Ball and marked it as a special occasion.

Nearly two sets of dancers had made the trip north from Wellington, there were dancers from other parts of New Zealand and even a pair from Wales. Many older Napier dancers also came to enjoy the spectacle from the sidelines.

A great programme had been chosen for the dance, reflecting the seventy years that Scottish Country Dancing has been enjoyed in Napier.

Watch Pat Reesby’s video of The Starry Eyed Lassie

When teatime arrived to refresh us after our vigorous dancing, we were provided with china plates, and when we went up to the tartan-decorated hatch to get our tea or coffee it was served in delicate cups and saucers.

That all added to the special occasion feel, as did the 70th Anniversary cake and the address from RSCDS New Zealand Branch President, Linda Glavin.

After the second part of the programme ended with that old favourite The Reel of the 51st Division we all gathered in a circle to sing Auld Lang Syne, followed by dancing The Gay Gordons. It had been a memorable night to mark Napier’s Anniversary in style.

Robert Vale
4 September 2023

Photos: Robert Vale